Just the opposite ~> early use of screen devices may cause language delays in kids.

In a new study of nearly 900 children between six months and two years old, researchers found that those who spent more time using handheld devices were more likely to have delays in expressive speech, compared to children who didn’t use the devices as much.

For every 30 minutes of screen time, there was a 49% increased risk of expressive speech delay. The research, which was led by pediatricians at the Hospital for Sick Children in Canada, was presented at the annual meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies.

The researchers say they did not find any effect of screen time on other communication skills, such as gesturing, body language or social interactions. But the effect on speech is worth investigating.

After all, why bother learning to talk when you can just press a button?

Now, step away from the Smartphone!

Unless, of course, you want to prove the adage: “Monkey see . . . Monkey do.”